I don't understand why some people in the media and the police seem to be taking this very serious issue so casually. We are putting people's lives in danger and helping ensure the extinction of these animals.

How many cheetahs, lions and tigers must die before people take this seriously?

In every smuggling attempt, six out of nine cubs die. Most of the lionesses and cheetah mothers have to be killed for their cubs to be taken.

These animals aren't pets; they are wild and dangerous. Sooner or later, their dominant behaviour will kick in, and sooner or later someone will get hurt.

In most cases, the wild animal is kept in a tiny cage and is fed chicken every day of its miserable life. Its teeth and claws are often surgically removed.

If the animal escapes, the police will show up and put the animal down. I'd really appreciate it if someone can tell me whose responsibility it is that these animals are here in the first place.

Rather thanjust ask whether advertising wild animals should be illegal, perhaps The National should start an awareness campaign about this topic.

Wafa Alabedy, Sharjah

It seems illogical that it's illegal to own endangered animals but not illegal to advertise them for sale.

Would the same rationale be allowed to apply to other illegal merchandise, such as drugs?

Michael Peterson, Dubai

Mukherjee must be a man of action

Regarding Mukherjee is sworn in as 13th president (July 26), we do not want speeches; we want something for the 800 million Indians who live below the poverty line.

India needs a president who not only knows about the country's situation, but shows guts by doing something, within his limited power under the constitution, to eradicate poverty, hunger and corruption.

KP Muhammad, Abu Dhabi

Games bring out strange behaviour

I admit to being among those people who have little to no interest in the Olympic Games.

From a sociological standpoint, though, I am always fascinated how once every four years people will watch, enjoy and often even claim expertise about sports they normally wouldn't even cross the street to see.